BAZETTA — Tuesday, the first day of the Trumbull County Fair, was a busy day for everyone, but especially for six residents of Shepherd of the Valley Howland and Liberty who were special guest judges for three new contests.

Volunteers from different organizations planted flowers in 27 mulch beds across the grounds in the “Bloom Where You are Planted” contest. In another flower bed contest, “4-H Bloom Where You Grow,” 4-H clubs at the fair were asked to garden around their barns or in designated areas.

Shepherd residents on Tuesday also judged a student art contest in which area high schools were given 55-gallon barrels donated by Panera Bread to paint in a way that reflected school spirit and community. The tops of the barrels were cut off and were filled with flowers.

Nineteen schools participated: Lakeview, Badger, Hubbard, Brookfield, Maplewood, Howland, Champion, Mathews, Labrae, Niles McKinley, Warren City, Bristol, Bloomfield-Mespo, Newton Falls, Southington, Mineral Ridge, Fairhaven Champion, Fairhaven Niles and McDonald.

Charlie Stevens, Irene Sheward and Vida Crump from Shepherd of the Valley Liberty were among the “celebrity” judges.

Fairgoers can also cast votes for flower beds and student barrels for the “People’s Choice Award” by picking up a ballot in the photography building today or Thursday.

The fair continues today with animals, food, rides and more. Tonight’s grandstand event is the Tuff Truck Competition from 6 to 9 p.m.

Entry is free today for veterans with proper I.D. General admission is $12 and admission for those 62 and older is $5.